Mortgage Credit Score Requirements for Each Home Loan Program

Each new home loan program has different credit score requirements. Ranging from no minimum credit score all the way up to 700 or higher to qualify.

This article clarifies what the difference is between your mortgage credit score versus traditional credit scores, and breaks down each mortgage program and their credit score requirements.

Mortgage Credit Scores are Different than Other Credit Scores

The first thing for any borrower to understand is that your mortgage credit score is different than all other credit scores. FICO has different algorithms and scoring models based on the type of credit you’re applying for. Given that mortgages are far riskier due to the longevity of the loan and amount of money being loaned, FICO provides mortgage lenders different credit scores than they do other lenders.

Your mortgage credit score likely will be 30-50 points LOWER than what you’ll commonly see on a site like Credit Karma or any other credit-monitoring service.

For more information on the mortgage credit score versus the other scoring models, here’s a good article on myFICO.com.

Do Lenders Pull All 3 Credit Scores?

Mortgage lenders are required to pull all 3 FICO credit scores – one from Equifax, TransUnion and Experian, and we use the middle one when determining which program and rates you qualify for. We essentially disregard both the high and low scores and focus on the middle score.

If there are multiple borrowers on the mortgage application, then the lender is required to use the lowest middle score between the borrowers.

If you’re interested in getting pre-approved or finding out what your mortgage credit scores are, you can apply online and we’ll help you determine what your mortgage scores are.

Mortgage Credit Score Overview

Conventional

FHA

VA

USDA

Jumbo

Minimum Credit Score

620

520

N/A

N/A

700

Conventional Mortgage Credit Score

Conventional loans secured by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the most common mortgage program in the country, but also is very credit score sensitive.

It’s important to note that PMI and interest rates on Conventional loans are very credit sensitive, meaning your interest rate and mortgage insurance can go up significantly the lower your score is. To learn more about PMI, check out our What is PMI article. So even if you have 620-680 credit, a Conventional mortgage may not be the best option financially.

Mortgage Credit Score for FHA Loans

The FHA Mortgage program has a minimum credit score of 520, however most lenders in the country require a 580 credit score or higher. Here at United Fidelity Funding, we are capable of lending below 580 credit score.

Borrowers with under 580 credit must be prepared to put at least 10% down or have significant compensating factors such as no late payments in the last 12 months, excellent debt-to-income ratios and reserves.

Borrowers with above 580 for their mortgage credit score may still only be required to put the 3.5% minimum down, but each scenario is case-by-case.

While the VA loan has no minimum credit score requirement, most lenders require a 580 minimum credit score. Again, here at United Fidelity Funding Mortgage, we offer VA loans below 580 but a down payment may be required and each scenario is case-by-case.

Mortgage Credit Score Requirement for USDA Loans

In order to get approval in the USDA’s automated underwriting system however, borrowers must have a 640 minimum mortgage credit score.

Borrowers with lower credit may be eligible, however you will be required to have compensating factors such as reserves and no recent late payments on your credit report.

Jumbo Home Loan Credit Score Requirements

The non-conforming Jumbo or “Jumbo” mortgage often has the strictest requirements. These loans are targeted towards borrowers that need a loan amount exceeding Conventional or FHA loan limits (often above $485,000).

Due to the amount borrowed and the fact they’re not secured by Fannie or any government agency, the credit score requirements are tough. Most lenders in the nation require a 700 mortgage credit score but there are a few that allow down to 680.

Mortgage Credit Score Summary

Remember, that your mortgage credit scores are different and likely lower than you expect them to be. Particularly if you use a credit monitoring service or subscribe to Credit Karma.

While each mortgage loan program has different credit score requirements, generally, the higher your credit score the better your chances are of getting approved for a loan.

While programs such as FHA, USDA and VA offer allow lower credit scores, all factors are considered when approving a borrower for a loan such as income, liabilities, assets, and overall credit score and credit history.